Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been transferred from prison to a hospital in Tehran following concerns over her health. Authorities reportedly granted a “sentence suspension on heavy bail,” according to a foundation associated with her family. This development allows her to receive medical attention from her personal medical team.
Health Concerns and Family Appeals
Her family expressed relief that she would now have access to adequate treatment, though they cautioned that the full extent of her condition remains unclear. Mohammadi’s family and supporters had previously voiced concerns that her life was at risk in prison, citing two suspected heart attacks earlier this year. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, noted that the bail offered “temporary relief from the certain death that Narges faced in the prison,” and mentioned she has been experiencing symptoms indicative of variant angina, a heart condition that could have long-term health implications. Reports from her lawyer indicate she has lost approximately 20kg while incarcerated and experiences difficulty speaking.
Activism and Legal Background
The 54-year-old activist, who serves as vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her work against female oppression in Iran and her efforts in promoting human rights. She has spent more than a decade of her life in prison. In 2021, she began serving a 13-year sentence on charges including “propaganda activity against the state” and “collusion against state security,” charges she has denied. She was also arrested last December for “provocative remarks” at a memorial ceremony and later sentenced to an additional seven-and-a-half years in prison for “gathering and collusion” and “propaganda activities.”
Calls for Unconditional Freedom
While acknowledging the temporary transfer, Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, and the Narges Mohammadi Foundation have emphasized that a suspension is insufficient. They assert that she requires “permanent, specialised care” and should not be returned to prison, where 18 years remain on her sentence. Her family continues to advocate for her unconditional freedom and the dismissal of all charges, arguing that human and women’s rights activists should not be imprisoned for peaceful work. Her brother warned that any return to prison could severely impact her fragile health and potentially lead to her death.
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